North Carolina Remains Undefeated in 2018
The third week of the 2018 season concludes as North Carolina Courage remains the lone undefeated NWSL club. The Red Stars recorded their first win of the season versus Utah Royals FC, while Portland Thorns FC edged the Orlando Pride at Providence Park.
NWSL Soccer News: The third week of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season comes to a close as North Carolina Courage sits atop the table. 
The Chicago Red Stars edged Utah Royals FC, 1-0, in the opening match of the weekend at Rio Tinto Stadium. Utah Royals FC was joined by 19,203 supporters in the club’s inaugural home opener.
In the 27th minute, Danielle Colaprico scored a stellar volley from outside of the 18-yard box after collecting a headed clearance from the hosts. Colaprico tallied her fourth NWSL career goal as the Red Stars recorded their first win of the 2018 campaign. Utah was seeking its first club win after recording two draws in the opening weeks.
The Red Stars currently sit in fourth place (1-W, 1-L, 1-T), while Utah is in seventh (0-1-2).
The North Carolina Courage topped the Washington Spirit in a six-goal thriller at Maureen Hendricks Field Maryland SoccerPlex. The Courage remain undefeated in the 2018 season following the 4-2 victory. McCall Zerboni tallied two goals for the Courage along with Crystal Dunn recording a goal and assist. Mallory Pugh and Francisca Ordega converted for Washington, but the youthful Spirit side was unable to edge a Courage opposition that has advanced to the NWSL Championship the previous two seasons – 2016 as the Western New York Flash.
North Carolina remains in first place (3-0-0), and the Washington Spirit sit in fifth (1-2-0).
The Seattle Reign FC defeated Sky Blue FC, 1-0, led by a Megan Rapinoe penalty kick in the opening minutes of the match at Yurcak Field in New Jersey. A handball in the 18-yard box set up Rapinoe for an easy finish in the sixth minute. Sky Blue maintained 53.6% possession but was unable to find the back of the net with only one opportunity on target. Seattle was awarded an additional penalty in the 85th minute but Jodie Taylor was unable to convert after Seattle goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan came up with a pair of saves.
Seattle Reign FC is tied for second place (2-0-0), while Sky Blue FC has yet to record a win in 2018 (0-2-0).
In the final match of the weekend, Portland Thorns FC defeated the Orlando Pride, 2-1, in front of 16,466 supporters at Providence Park in Oregon. Lindsey Horan and Christine Sinclair each recorded a goal and assist for Portland, while Chioma Ubogagu scored the tally for Orlando. Portland controlled the match with 54.5% possession and eight shots on target to the Pride’s lone opportunity that was converted by Ubogagu.
Portland (2-1-0) is tied for second with Seattle, while the Orlando Pride has yet to record a victory (0-2-1).
The Houston Dash had a bye during Week 3.
Photo Credit: NWSL
